Nigel Richardson, chairman of the Hull Safeguarding Children Board, said it was working with the authorities in Scotland to find out what had happened.

He said: ''Our sympathies go out to the friends and family of both of the young women.''

An Argyll and Bute Council spokeswoman said: ''We will be holding our own investigation into the circumstances surrounding this distressing case, and will of course assist other agencies in any way we can during their inquiries.''

Strathclyde Police said there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths.